Ham bags! LEW’S SPIN IT TO WIN IT
LEWIS HAMILTON survived a scare at Silverstone yesterday – but still managed to bag his fifth pole in six years at the circuit.
And he even clocked the fastest-ever lap on his way to top spot.
But it was not plain sailing after a spin in the second phase of qualifying, where he was beaten by team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
But when the heat was on, there was no stopping the world champion.
His time of 1min 24.303secs was nearly a third of a second clear of his nearest rival.
Team boss Toto Wolff said: “Lewis is absolutely magnificent and he is putting on memorable show.
“Even when he makes a rare mistake his recovery is brilliant – masterful.
“I feel proud to be able to be part of his unbelievable success and I cannot see it coming to an end.
“It is sad that none of our fans are able to attend Silverstone but we know they’ll be rooting for us in front of the TV.
“So we are determined to show our gratitude for their backing. For them, the race should be a thriller.”
Hamilton, in his 254th GP, looks odds-on to add to his two successive wins and five-point title lead over Bottas – who will start next to Hammy today – in the historic 70th Anniversary British GP at the famous midlands circuit.
And Hamilton was also praised by F1 royalty in the shape of Bernie Ecclestone yesterday. He said: “As a driver Lewis is absolutely outstanding, as good, if not far better, than there has ever been in the entire history of Grand Prix racing.
“Apart from his towering gift as a racer, he is a good guy – and he gets all the support possible from everybody in
F1. He is 100 per cent box office.” Hammy, 35, whose contract expires at the end of this season, is rumoured to want to extend his £40m-a-year stay in Formula One for another three years – two with Mercedes and then potentially a blockbuster final fling with Ferrari.
But none of that was on his mind yesterday as he dominated final qualifying, chased in vain by Bottas and Max Verstappen.
He said: “I have to pinch myself...
91 poles. I can’t believe it. It really is quite humbling and I have loads of people to thank for their help and expertise.
“It feels fantastic. I am delighted. I don’t know how I managed to compose myself and recover but I got it all together and lifted myself.
“It’s a shame there were no spectators and no atmosphere.
“But I shall still be giving it my all for those fans watching on the box.”